Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA has sparked an extraordinary level of excitement and discourse throughout the sports world, marking a significant moment in the league’s history.
As the No. 1 overall pick for the Indiana Fever, Clark has quickly become a central figure in conversations about the future of women’s basketball, drawing commentary from some of the most respected voices in sports, including tennis legend and advocate for women’s sports, Billie Jean King.
The spotlight on Clark intensified following an incident during a game against the Chicago Sky earlier this month, where she was the target of what many considered a reckless foul by Chennedy Carter.
This moment prompted Billie Jean King to issue a powerful statement to the WNBA, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and the role of athletes as role models. “This generation is so important for the WNBA, you have to set an example. Children are watching. How do you want to be remembered? This generation has a chance to set this league on fire. Don’t blow it with animosity. Do not blow it. Just play ball,” King expressed on social media platform X.
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King also reflected on a historical parallel from her own career to underscore her point.
She recalled the entrance of Chris Evert, a 16-year-old tennis prodigy, at the 1971 US Open. King recounted how she convened a meeting with her fellow veteran players to discuss the necessity of embracing Evert warmly. “She’s the reason we had all those people watching us,” King mentioned in an interview with USA TODAY Sports. “I told them Chris is fantastic for our sport. Look at the crowds. You could not get in the place. She’s the next superstar. She’s going to put more money in our pockets. That means everyone has to be more hospitable. When you’re on the court against her, you gotta play tough as always, but no cheap shots. It’s our job to make sure she is treated fairly.”
King highlighted Clark as a pivotal figure in the burgeoning popularity of the WNBA. “As great as the WNBA has been, with amazing stars like Maya Moore, Sheryl Swoopes, Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi, A’ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart, among others, this year is a turning point, and it’s because of Caitlin,” she explained.
King pointed out Clark’s influence on the league’s visibility and profitability, noting the surge in fan interest and jersey sales. “Breaking the college records, everyone wearing the No. 22 jerseys. Things are going good for the WNBA, for women’s sports. They are amazing for everyone with all these sellouts and all this interest and we’ve got to keep that going now.”
King emphasized that Clark’s success not only benefits her but enhances the entire league. “Whether you like it or not, Caitlin is the reason for so much of this interest. She’s a superstar. When she does well, everyone does better. The league is going to do better. The veterans were the building blocks and now Caitlin and this rookie class have this incredible platform to take the league to an entirely new place.”
As Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever prepare to take on the Washington Mystics on Wednesday night, the anticipation and enthusiasm surrounding her continue to elevate, signifying a transformative era for the WNBA.
